Moxa, a provider of hardened networking, communication, and computing solutions, announced that all models in its 802.11n series of wireless access points will gain significant enhancements in speed and functionality through a free firmware upgrade. The new firmware provides Moxa's AWK-3131 and AWK-4131 models with improved throughput up to 150 Mbps, automatic backup configuration through Moxa's ABC-01 unit, auto-negotiation for 4-pin Ethernet cables, and a number of other performance improvements. AWK users can download the new firmware without charge.

Ariana Drivdahl, product marketing manager for Moxa, said, "These enhancements make it possible for industrial users to mass deploy higher-speed 802.11n networks with greater ease and speed. Even better, the firmware upgrade is completely free of charge and can be installed over the network."

The AWK-3131 and AWK-4131 are engineered for high-speed WLANs deployed in factory automation, petrochemical plants and other challenging RF environments. Supporting MIMO (multiple in, multiple out), they can operate on 2.4 and 5 GHz bands and are backwards-compatible with existing 802.11a/b/g networks. Enterprise-class throughput is combined with a broad operating temperature, resulting in the most reliable wireless access point available for industrial users.

"With our firmware upgrades," said Drivdahl, "customers can extend and even increase the value of Moxa products over time." As an example, Drivdahl cites support for Turbo Chain and automation-certified profiles, important value-added features that were introduced to Moxa managed switches through free firmware upgrades. According to Drivdahl, Moxa is already developing the next generation of firmware for the AWK-3131 and AWK-4131, which will add support for long distance wireless and Turbo Roaming.